This study explored varying uses of the concept "involvement" in ordinary speech, examined the concept as found in the literature on adult education program planning, and analyzed its use and validity in empirical behavioral science research. It was expected that the concept would be further clarified, thus increasing the likelihood of forming…

The participants in this conference (A.V. Cicourel, I. Deutscher, S. Ervin-Tripp, J. Gumperz, D. Hymes, E. Sibley, H. Phillips, and R.B. Anderson) discussed the processes involved in eliciting verbal information, especially in cross-cultural studies. The four principal topics of their discussions were: (1) the ethnography of asking questions, (2)…

The text of an invited address on artificial intelligence (AI) research over the 1963-1968 period is presented. A survey of recent studies on the computer simulation of intellective processes emphasizes developments in heuristic programing, problem-solving and closely related learning models. Progress and problems in these areas are indicated by…

Four papers discuss the Harvard Preschool Project whose goal is to learn how to structure the experiences of the first six years of life to encourage maximal development of human competence. To determine what competence at age 6 is, a group of 13 highly competent 6-year-olds of mixed residence, class, and ethnicity were compared to a like group of…

A cross-section of language research at mid-century from the viewpoint of the psychologist, biologist, and anthropologist is offered in this book bearing on problems of (1) maturation, (2) social anthropology, (3) human biology, (4) experimental psychology, and (5) primary acquisition of speech and language. Five papers delivered at a symposium on…

Designed as an introduction to industrial psychology, this work ties the findings and theories of individual and social psychology, human relations, and group dynamics to the behavior of executives and other members of large organizations. Such aspects and concerns as personality, leadership roles and styles, conformity, productivity, differing…

This report presents ten ideas about children's learning and cognition that are based on recent research. The empirical findings are reviewed and related to educational practices. The findings concern the following topics of learning and cognition: (1) individual differences, (2) children's problem-solving abilities and ability to remember…

The major objectives of this study were: (1) to determine if there were measurable differences in autonomy between Mexican-American and Negro children, (2) to determine the effects of three different preschool intervention programs upon the development of autonomy in Mexican-American and Negro children, and (3) to determine the relationship…

An attempt is made to define and measure pupil control "behavior." In order to measure pupil control behavior, an instrument called the Pupil Control Behavior (PCB) Form was developed and tested. The 31 custodial and 34 humanistic items were randomized, and the initial version of the PCB Form was administered in 20 schools in Illinois…

Youth were found to be responsive to a survey when asked for solutions to provocatively disruptive situations. The general purpose of this study was to determine whether these expressed solutions have some useful application to the problems of disruption. Description was measured through a situational survey and a self-description form filled out…

A study was conducted to determine if eight distinct subcultures of college students reflect differences concerning psychological anomie (alienation) and existential frustration. In addition, the purpose of this study was to explore the interaction among eight college student subcultures and sex and race for psychological anomie and existential…

The purpose of this monograph is to provide researchers with a systematic review and evaluation of the major empirical measures relevant to the study of variables related to a person's occupation. Particular attention is focused on measurement scales, that is, series of attitude items that attempt to measure the same attitude content. The…

Two hundred males and 212 females in grades three through eight were tested for conformity to peers using Asch-type stimuli and a modified Crutchfield procedure. The results showed that, with difficulty level controlled, conformity decreased with age between eight and eleven years and then increased to age thirteen. Discrepancies among earlier…

The purpose of this paper is to review progress in the development of an instrument by which to study the dimension of teacher-student relationships that can be related to power, and by which to study the contribution of this dimension to the learning climate. Sections of the paper are: Theoretical Basis for an Instrument; Development of an…

The major objective of this series of studies was to clarify the concept of mastery motivation and to develop measures of this concept applicable to 1-year-old children. Three studies were made with 44 infants, aged 12 to 13 months. The first study, "Aspects of Mastery Motivation and Cognitive Functioning," utilized structured situations…